Person:Irene Labrie (1)

Irene Agnes Labrie Bledsoe, 84, of South Hadley, passed peacefully at home on Thursday morning August 18, 2022 surrounded by the joyful sounds of two of her great-grandchildren playing. Irene was born in Holyoke Massachusetts on March 4, 1938 to her parents Dora and George Labrie and sister Lorraine who watched out for her and remained at her side, always her best friend to her very last days. Irene wrote in her notes to family that in her childhood she "was very, very loved, and also a bit spoiled." A theme that followed her to her last day. Irene met her lifelong sweetheart John (Clarence Tillman) when she was just 17. They married a year later in 1957 and had 62 wonderful years together. Irene never moved far from home, spending most of her years in her family home and was always involved in her local community. At work she paved the way as the first woman to work her way up from billing and receivables into sales at Texon, inspiring other women to advance in the company. She traveled to the trade shows and cherished her connections to coworkers and customers, inspiring everyone with her voracious appetite for life. After work she loved her aerobics at the YMCA, gardening, and caring for her beautiful home. She was a very active member of St. Patrick's Parish, serving as one of the first female eucharistic ministers, Deacon's wife, and as a member of the Ladies Guild. She also served as a Hospice Volunteer and led grief and support groups through the church. Irene, and her husband John, were very involved in the Cursillo movement. They shepherded many along their spiritual journey and into the arms of the Cursillo family. Cursillo was a way of life for them filled with many close friends. None closer than her Cursillo group who became part of her family and supported each other to the very end. No matter the occasion or location, Irene was always the life of the party, gathering friends and family at her table to eat, drink, and celebrate life. She'll be well remembered for her silly and thoughtful Irene original songs written for many occasions and the costumes that accompanied them. She was very, very loved and spoiled as she journeyed through her final days to meet Jesus and be reunited with her sweetheart John, surrounded by family and friends caring for her with the loving kindness she had showed to others throughout her years. Irene’s legacy includes two daughters, Dorene and her husband Wendell Pennell, Bonnie and her husband Michael Robert, six grandchildren Sheila, Molly, Brittany, Jono, Eric, and Jamie, and many great grandchildren for whom the world will be a little quieter in her absence, but who know that heaven will be hopping with her leading the way to the dance floor! We will miss her joy, her 'direction' and her love. Calling hours for Irene will be Sunday August 21st from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley. The funeral Mass will be Monday August 22nd at 12:30 pm in St. Patrick’s Church, South Hadley. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Jono Robert Children's Fund, c/o Holyoke Credit Union, 490 Westfield Rd., Holyoke, MA 01040 or to Blessed Sacrament School, Deacon John Scholarship, 1945 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.

1.   Irene A. Bledose Obituary, in Aunt Irene's Obituary.

   https://www.obrienfamilyfh.com/obituary/irene-bledsoe